Have your Say!

Sherford

The decision has been made- the new town of Sherford will be built on the original proposed site. The independent planning inspector has weighed everything up and this is the conclusion.

There have been many voices speaking out against Sherford- my own included. We have fought a good fight but we must now accept the outcome and turn our energies to ensuring the details of Sherford suit the surrounding areas as much as possible. The South Ham and Plymouth City Councils now have no option to approve the plans at their next full meetings. If they don't the government will intervene and Sherford will still go ahead, with additional costs to the taxpayer.

Instead, let us now focus on what we want out of Sherford- affordable housing for local youngsters who can't get on the property ladder, minimum traffic through places like St Maurice and transport links to suit local people. There may even be a silver lining in this cloud, and we must fight to make this the best new town in Britain.

I'm keen to hear your thoughts and what you want the area to gain from Sherford. All comments welcome. This is not the outcome we wanted but we must strive to make the best of it.

Yours,

Gary

posted by Gary Streeter M.P. on Friday, July 27, 2007

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Competition Time!

It's competition time!

I was really surprised and pleased to see how quickly the smoking ban has been accepted. The vast majority of people are happy with the new law and there have been no riots or protests as some predicted.

Hopefully this is going to be a really positive step towards improving the nation's health.It got me thinking- why didn't we introduce this law years ago? Then I really thought about it and realised that we simply weren't ready then. Attitudes shift over time and so do standards and expectations. As a politician it's crucial to be able to judge public opinion and move with the times.

I've decided to launch a mini competition along this theme. Email or write to me by the end of July and let me know where you think a recent shift in public opinion has occurred- in what area do policy makers need to catch up next? The best letter or email with receive a House of Commons bottle of wine.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Gary

posted by Gary Streeter M.P. on Friday, July 20, 2007

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Terror Threat

This isn't the first time I have discussed the terrorist threat to Britain on this site, and I doubt it will be the last.

The events of last weekend have left us feeling shocked, alert and most of all lucky. It could all have been so different.

There are two steps we need to take immediately to address the threat of fundamentalists who wish to blow Britain apart. Firstly we need to look again at the way we use intelligence and the legal system to detain and thwart would-be terrorists and secondly we need to work hard to pull our communities together and reduce the barriers in understanding and empathy. The vast majorities of Muslims in Britain do not support or condone terrorism and it's vital we get the message out.

I have visited Islamic countries where Terror Training camps are up and running and the reality is frightening. We also need to work at an international level to eradicate this kind of tool for fundamentalists set on ripping apart normal life back home in Britain.

Above all we have to carry on with our daily lives and, whilst remaining vigilant and aware, continue to live with the values and opportunities that these enemies of freedom and democracy seek to destroy.

How should we do this? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Gary

posted by Gary Streeter M.P. on Saturday, July 07, 2007

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